The effect of standard laboratory diets on estrogen signaling and spatial memory in male and female rats

Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that can modulate estrogen activity in the brain and periphery. Laboratory rodent diets are typically high in soy-based phytoestrogens and therefore may influence neurophysiological and behavioural measures that are sensitive to estrogen signaling. Here we assessed such measures in rats (males and females) fed Australian made diets that varied in their soy levels. We found that a low-soy diet promoted greater weight, and lower levels of plasma estradiol, particularly in male rats. It also produced sex-specific effects on estrogen receptor gene expression in the brain, increasing ESR2 expression in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in female rats, and decreasing dopamine D1 receptor gene expression in the striatum of both male and female rats. We also found a dietary effect on short-term place recognition memory, but this was independent of soy levels in the diet. These results demonstrate that the choice of rodent laboratory diet can influence physiology, neurobiology and behavior, particularly on measures related to estrogen signaling.